Dropped plans to film binge-drinkers into sobriety reinstated

A controversial plan to shame binge-drinkers into sobriety by filming them before receiving medical treatment will go ahead after the Welsh Government dropped its concerns over “the sensitivities of filming young people”.

A controversial plan to shame binge-drinkers into sobriety by filming them before receiving medical treatment will go ahead after the Welsh Government dropped its concerns over “the sensitivities of filming young people”.

Staff will wear matchbox-sized body cameras to record intoxicated revellers as they stumble inside the city facility in a bid to show them the risks of excessive drinking.

The pioneering proposal was dropped last year when a Cardiff triage was first set up after the Welsh Government expressed concerns ahead of approving £85,000 of funding.

It voiced fears over patient confidentiality and “the sensitivities of filming young people”, and requested the filming plans to be dropped.

But the Welsh Government has since given its permission for the camera proposal to be reinstated following an appeal.

Heath officials hope to begin using the cameras next weekend at the alcohol treatment centre, which aims to ease the pressure drunken patients place on accident and emergency departments.

It comes as police, council and health chiefs continue in their attempts to rid Cardiff of its reputation as Britain’s booze capital.

Campaigners welcomed the Welsh Government move, describing the body cameras as an innovative initiative to help tackle binge-drinking.

Wayne Parsons, an emergency nurse practitioner who works at the triage, said: “The whole point of this trail is to see if we can have some impact in changing the patient’s future behaviour. If we use the cameras on an infinite amount of people, and only influence and change one person’s behaviour, or health improvement, then the initiative will be a success. The focus of this is entirely focused on health promotion.”

The alcohol treatment centre (ATC) opened at Ebenezer Chapel on Charles Street in he city centre last September and has operated for several nights each week.

Two matchbox-sized cameras will be worn by staff to capture the behaviour of patients.

Before they leave the ATC revellers will have the option of viewing the footage as part of a brief “alcohol intervention”, where they can discuss any issues and avenues of support with staff.

The footage will be deleted in the presence of the patient whether they choose to view it or not.

Mr Parsons said: “The work is patient focused and will attempt to educate them in their future behaviour. We are in no way setting out to lecture or preach to patients, but merely to offer guidance and advice as to ways of possibly changing or modifying their drinking habits.

“It will also give the opportunity to show them how at risk they are from the potential health risks and their vulnerability when they are on the city centre streets.”

Triage staff were initially able to use a camera last year to film some patients ahead of receiving Welsh Government funding approval.

About half a dozen people were filmed during the project’s first few weeks, according to staff.

But the Welsh Government funding for the project was approved weeks later and the camera element was dropped.

The camera usage will be officially approved once the Welsh Government receives a request through official channels to include filming within the triage’s funding terms.

It is hoped the project, which has been successful in easing the strain binge-drinking places on A&E, will be able to secure funding to remain open for three years.

Mark Leyshon, policy and research officer for Alcohol Concern Cymru, said: “Filming intoxicated revellers and showing them the footage when they have sobered up is an interesting idea.

“Whether showing someone footage of that behaviour will actually change their long-term behaviour is unclear and it will be interesting to see how effective this scheme is.

“While innovative schemes are to be welcomed, we need to have actions on prices and other areas. There is a danger that schemes like this, no matter how welcome, are maybe just tinkering at the edges.”